Back into the Las Vegas groove (no pun intended), The KISS KRUISE is back. This incarnation was very different than previous KISS KRUISES. This years version was based in a hotel in Las Vegas, hence calling it KISS KRUISE: Landlocked in Las Vegas. The basis for this happens to go back to its relationship with former CEO Anthony Diaz of Sixthman. Diaz left Sixthman at the end of 2023 and started a company called Topkea. Topeka specializes in music based vacations on land. Topeka was in charge of this year’s KRUISE. This years installment was over 3 days based inside the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Due to a prior commitment (Paul McCartney show in Buffalo), we missed the 1st day of the KRUISE. According to Q&A’s held by KISS and Doc McGhee, they are looking at continuing this KRUISE beyond 2025. They would prefer going back on a boat but unsure if that was feasible, as you need to book a ship a year in advance. So, that may or may not be practical. Either way, you can probably be assured that the KISS KRUISE will be back in some form. If they do bring it back, longtime attendees are hoping that their seniority rank will be reinstalled. This year they sold tickets via various ticket packages (like they did for their End of the Road tour).
Here is the KISS electric setlist and the actual highlights of all 3 days of the KRUISE.
KISS plugged in setlist:
Deuce
Take Me
Hotter Than Hell
Calling Dr. Love
Got to Choose
Watchin’ You
Cold Gin
I Love it Loud
Love Her All I Can
Let Me Go, Rock and Roll
Black Diamond
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Do You Love Me?
Lick It Up – with Bruce Kulick (Won’t Get Fooled Again -The Who -snippet)
Rock and Roll All Nite – with Bruce Kulick
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS — Friday, November 14
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends KISS took to the stage for an Unmasked acoustic kick-off performance – their first live appearance together since retiring from touring in 2023. The band delivered stripped-down versions of classics including “Beth,” “Hard Luck Woman,” and “Nothin’ to Lose” with Eric Singer on drums. Before the music began, Paul Stanley led a heartfelt moment honoring founding guitarist Ace Frehley, inviting fans to raise candles as the band reflected on his legacy. “Before we get going, we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who was at the foundation of this band. We’re talking about Ace. Why don’t we take a moment, a little quiet, think about him looking down on us – from [the planet] Jendell, probably – let’s have a moment for Ace. Candles up.”
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Throughout the day, fans enjoyed meet & greets, photo opps, and a chance to snag exclusive signed event posters and curated memorabilia exclusive to this weekend.
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Early KISS producers Eddie Kramer and Jeff Fura shared behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the band’s most iconic albums.
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Quiet Riot performed songs like “Thunderbird” and “Love’s A B*tch,” bringing the energy and nostalgia to the stage.
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Pearcy DeMartini performed RATT classics to keep the party rolling through the evening.
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As soon as the doors opened, fans rushed inside to kick off 3 days of non-stop activity, music, and fan experiences. The KISS Kruise Vegas Merch Store was full of fans grabbing limited-edition apparel, collectibles, and 50th anniversary memorabilia. The hotel was decked out in various KISS photos and wall murals that fans can grab photos with.
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Diehard fans closed the night with KISS Karaoke in the Skybox, wrapping up the perfect kick-off to an action-packed weekend.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS — Saturday, November 15
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Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer delivered a full-production Unmasked electric set, marking the band’s second performance of the weekend. The band had a cool backdrop that also included four larger than life inflatable figures of them with makeup. Set highlights were “Take Me,” “Got to Choose,” and “Love Her All I Can.” Magician Criss Angel introduced the band.
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KISS Army Founders Bill Starkey and Jay Evans shared stories and memories from the earliest days of the KISS Army, giving fans a look at how the fanbase began.
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The “Future of KISS” panel brought together band manager Doc McGhee, film director McG, and Pophouse to discuss the upcoming movie and offered insights into how the KISS legacy will continue to evolve.
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During the “Cooking with Paul Stanley” event, Paul prepared a beautiful pasta dish for fans. Magician Criss Angel made a surprise appearance and even helped serve the final result to some front row audience members..
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Fans participated in a Pick Throwing Contest with Gene Simmons, a KISS Look-Alike Contest, and a KISS Trivia showdown.
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Concerts throughout the day included Sebastian Bach, Kuarantine, and Thayer/St. James.
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS — Sunday, November 16
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Paul, Gene, Tommy, and Eric did a Q&A with the audience, talking about the KISS legacy. Paul said: “I’ve always thought that you can get the biggest production, but a band that’s no good is still no good with all the trappings. But the band at its core has always been a kick-ass band.”
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During the KISS Production Panel, fans were given a behind-the-scenes look at the technical elements behind KISS’s iconic stage shows.
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Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer hosted “Name That Guitar Lick,” a playful music-based activity where fans tested their knowledge of guitar riffs.
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Exclusive Q&As with Bruce Kulick, Chris Jericho, Bob Ezrin, and more took place on the closing day of the weekend-long celebration.
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Sunday featured sets from Black ‘N Blue (with Tommy Thayer), Bruce Kulick, the kids from School of Rock, and fan favorites KISS Nation and DJ Noiz.
We would like to thank Emily Bender and her team from, Hustle & Co. for the credentials to review the Kruise.
